9 Foods You Didnt Know You Can Make in Muffin Tins

If the only times you break out your muffin tin are for making muffins and cupcakes, youre missing out. Theyre great for cooking up itsy-bitsy versions of some meals you wouldnt expect, which fit neatly into your childs lunchbox  or your car cup holder for your morning commute. And they're great for plated meals too, when you want some built-in portion control. From mini meatloaf to pint-size pizza, here are some tasty tidbits that you can make in a tin.

Tricks in the kitchen can save everyone time, so why not get them from the pros? These celebrity chef kitchen secrets will spare you some major hassle.

2. Ice with Fruit

Blogger Kim Davis needed to chill a huge beverage dispenser for a soiree, but had no jumbo ice cubes on hand. A little water, a muffin tin and a freezer to the rescue. “You can use different herbs and fruit to create so many great color and flavor combinations!” she says.

To make: Cut up citrus such as grapefruit, lime, oranges, or lemon into half-moons or circles, and stick one slice into each cup. Or fill each cup halfway with several berries. Freeze the fruit for half an hour to prevent it from floating to the surface when you add water. Then, cover the fruit with water and freeze until it’s solid. To pop out the muffins, dip the tin in a rimmed baking sheet or casserole dish filled with 1/4 inch warm water for 10 seconds. Place into water that’s been chilled, which prevents the cubes from quickly melting. Voila!